Quantum electrodynamics analysis of optical binding in counterpropagating beams and effect of particle size

A general expression for optical binding energy between particles of any size, in counterpropagating beams with and without interference, is derived using quantum electrodynamics, The effect of particle size on the optically induced interparticle energy surface, which has been the subject of recent research, is explored. Significant changes in this surface when particle size approaches the wavelength of the optical field are revealed. Finally optically induced particle arrays that may be fabricated with these potentials are briefly discussed. (C) 2008 Optical Society of America